Is The .38 Snub Nose Revolver an Effective Weapon?

Just going through some self defense drills and seeing how effective or accurate the .38 special snub nose revolver can be.
This particular revolver is a very light, 10.8 oz revolver. It is a S&W 342PD and is made from aluminum alloy and titanium.

[@oldcop18]

My issued .38 snub IS an effective weapon, mine saved me in a 1974 gunfight w/armed robbery suspects.

[@mikey3800]

Quote by Wyatt Earp: “Fast is fine, but accuracy is final.”

[@jalan8171]

Paul Harrell has also said that more than a few times himself.

[@lawrencemarocco8197]

"It isn't always being fast or even accurate that counts. It's being willing. I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren't willing. They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won't." - J. B. Books

[@sosickhighlife7377]

Best video I’ve seen demonstrating .38 snub in action effectiveness. Subbed. I pick up my 642 in a week.

[@GunSam]

Thanks a lot. You will definitely like my channel because revolvers are favored here.

[@podsmpsg1]

I have a 642.

[@hendetta]

Gun Sam never fails to provide good content so i always smash the like button b4 watching. cheers.

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@peanut12ga]

I love this video, and finally, someone who does not thing you have to put 17 rounds Center Mass for your gun to be effective. I like the part where you say some people have just been grazed and then get out of the fight. And say they are done. Far too many gun channels think you have to empty a clip into someone for them to stop. Like we are fighting a zombie war or something. I Agree with you on this video. For the record my two 38 specials are, the Ruger LCR and the Taurus 85.

[@brianbuchert6382]

peanut12ga I think you meant to say magazine and not clip? Not trying to be rude but if you’re gonna be on here giving advice it’s probably better than not to use correct info just trying to help not trying to be a Richard cranium lol

[@thebeardedbeliever6670]

You may like the part where they run off grazed... you won’t when they kill you because you think it’s a reality. Someone intent on harm will not me deterred by a graze in minor injury.

[@Fudmottin]

@@brianbuchert6382 All that's important is pointing the end with the hole in the right direction and squeezing the bang switch properly.

[@Fudmottin]

@@thebeardedbeliever6670 Is long as they don't disengage, shoot them again. If they run, then your job is done.

[@larrysimmons9732]

One stop shots? 36%. And its less with smaller calibers. Tv is dream land. You will fire multiple times until the threat is stopped. Heas shots are quite effective. To sharpen you skills, screw expensive man size targets, if you can put six shots in a paper plate, you'll be ok.

[@Wesley196148]

Nice Paul Harrell reference..."You Be the Judge."

[@Me2Lancer]

A great lesson in the importance of accuracy over speed. Nicely done. You ruined this perps day. Those hip shots are devastating.

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@podsmpsg1]

They won't kill, but they'll make the bad guy stop.

[@chuckthomas918]

Like this guy down to earth

[@judyhecht9867]

Don't like pocket holsters. IWb at 4 oclock hides a jframe really well, same unholster every time. In the pocket is a new adventure each time. Just my opinion. Good video, I wish I had a place to practice like that.

[@kylewood8327]

I don’t like pocket carry period, I appendix carry my S&W 36!

[@LionquestFitness]

Hi Sam - I came across this one and really enjoyed it for it's real world application. I definitely agree with move and momentarily stop to shoot (preferably behind cover). Shooting on the move works better moving forward as opposed to lateral or rearward movement. Everything you were doing was smooth and controlled and done to suit your structure and mobility.

[@GunSam]

Thank you. It's been awhile since I made this video. I have been thinking for awhile about self defense and these situations and a few things come to mind. One would be, that if distance could be gained, would or would not a hip shot be very effective on a knife wielding assailant? I think, probably very much so. The other thing I have been thinking about is the fact that center mass shots guarantee nothing. You could shoot someone in the heart, and they could very well shoot you too before they go down. It brings a lot up about head shots, yet at the same time this isn't the most practical thing to do and maybe the most difficult to defend legally. There's just a lot of thought with no definitive answers.

[@LionquestFitness]

@@GunSam Head shots are an iffy proposition; just by the fact it is a very small target that can be easily moved as opposed to the upper body. Still, center chest shots don't guarantee an immediate stop. However, the center chest area controls the circulatory, respiratory and nervous system (via the spine) and your chances of shutting down one or more of these systems is greater at that target. Another alternative is a mid chest shot followed by a shot to try to break the hip. Then a head shot if all else fails. It could be two to the chest, two to the hip and one to the head with a five shot snubbie to stop a very violent, drug and adrenaline fueled attacker. And there again, I go back to the Greg Ellifritz study. Thirty-eight special on the average, stopped an attack with 1.89 rounds as opposed to 2.45 with a nine millimeter. Why the difference? I tend to believe deliberation of fire with a slower bullet has a part to play in that statistic. BTW - I am glad someone else besides myself thinks about these things and doesn't just accept the common memes about firearms and self defense.

[@buick4013]

Forget the sight. You don't have time. Both eyes on target extend pull trigger. Works out to ten yards.

[@KYGUNGUY]

This is by far my favorite channel on KZbin. I am a recent subscriber so I have a lot of videos to choose from. I truly appreciate the information and testing you do for the normal citizens. A lot of those tacticool guys with their undersized Tshirts and tactical vests crack me up. Especially the ones who never served a minute in the military or as law enforcement. Do they wear all that costume to the bank, doctors office, etc? Again, thank you for what you do.

[@northshores7319]

I have a Ruger LCRx 3 inch barrel loaded with .38+ ammo. From all the ballistic tests I have seen on You Tube, it will suffice to do the job when it is up front and personal. Had a Ruger LCRx in the really short barrel but the shooting with a 3 inch barrel is way much better. It is so easy to carry around that many times I go out in public not remembering I have it! Good video on a much needed topic.

[@erich.2550]

Michael Venia Can it handle Buffalo Bore 158 gr +p HCK or is that a little too stout for that design ?

[@MrZipperhead16]

Watching you struggle with that pocket holster makes a good argument against them. You didn't do anything wrong, just that there's no good way to draw from them and forget about it when your moving backwards. Imagine doing that while they're rushing at you. Pocket holsters do have a place though; in the box with the rest of the holsters that didn't work out but that's just me.

[@keithl8658]

Nice video people are still viewing it for the first time after 2.5 years! ; love my 642.

[@GregoryBrown6283]

You are really doing some great videos Sam. Enjoy them a lot.

[@stephenyoung8069]

You have quickly become one of my favorite gun channels. Keep up the good work and over time your views will increase. When I started watching Paul Harrell he didn't have much more than you.

[@GunSam]

Thank you. I actually started here in 2007, but it was not a dedicated gun channel, it was a whatever channel. Gradually I started getting into more gun content and was given advice to turn it into a gun channel.

[@martyjewell5683]

A tip, Uncle Mike's has an in pocket holster for snubbies. It's great as it "sticks" in the pocket and doesn't affect drawing the weapon. Just the ticket for my S&W 36. It's soft and conceals well. Best of all it is less than $10. Check it out.

[@gordongreninger6109]

Marty Jewell The trouble i see with some of the new sticky holsters is the fa rear sight catching on the seem work. Uncle Mikes seem work looks better than other brands.

[@martyjewell5683]

Yeah, the Uncle Mike's in pocket holster is great. My S&W 36, having no rear sight slips in and out easily. When I draw from pocket my thumb engages the hammer so there's no hangup and the holster stays put. Maybe not HIGH TECH but it works.

[@swkohnle08]

Really find your videos to be informative. I EDC alternate between a S&W Mod 36 in .38 Special JHP and an M&P Shield in 9mm. For personal defense, I don't feel out gunned and odds are slim I would get into a "gun fight" anyway. Home defense is a Ruger Security Six in .357 Mag. Keep the good content coming...

[@GunSam]

Thanks. I do a lot of rotation as well, I usually carry the little .38 out of convenience, but I will carry my subcompact Glock from time to time, the reason I carry the .38 more other than convenience is safety. I know I can bend and twist and do whatever I need to do on a daily basis, and the revolver never has one 'chambered', yet is fully loaded. Makes me feel more free with a revolver, with the Glock I feel as if I have to be more careful.

[@eqlzr2]

Love me some snubs. I wonder if a person wouldn't be well advised to practice some speedy reloading also?

[@stephen8433]

Don't shoot any faster than you can get good hits.

[@Fudmottin]

A couple pieces of free advice for what they are worth. The first is that your pocket holster should not come out with the gun. It can block the trigger and will cost you time. The other is that if you are at ten yards, you should be going for cover if it is available. If it isn't, you do what you have to do. I'm just saying that the whole point is to come out alive and not bleeding.

[@GunSam]

The pants I was wearing that day were terribly made walmart cheapy jeans. The Wrangler pants I normally wear will allow a smooth draw and they retain the pocket holster.

[@Fudmottin]

Fair enough. At least you flipped the holster off quickly.

[@tjmooremusic]

I have never seen a Walmart. Ever......how can that be? Hey, kidding aside, nothing wrong with the 38special. Nothing.. Thanks For The Video.

[@GunSam]

I'm thinking the actual brand was Faded Glory or some other sort of cheap Walmart only contracted clothing.

[@JustAnotherOne1]

ya need to practice on bringing the weapon up to ur chest first before pushing out and sighting... when you raise ur arm up extended out like that you risk exposing your arms to the attacker. in other words you're closing the distance from him to you making it easier for him to grab your shooting hand (this is a reason you stepped back in the first place)before you can put an effective shot on him. whereas if you keep the weapon close to your body and raise it to chest height first then extend your arms you will have more control of the weapon and keep your shooting hand a good distance away from the attacker.

[@inmyopinion_3672]

You're absolutely right about standing your ground and putting rounds on target. Cover and concealment is great if you have it, but it's better to stand and hit what your're aiming at. We used to do drills with simunition where we basically just drew down on each other at 10 yards like an old west gun fight. The ones that drew fast, took a stance, and shot would have the other one dancing.

[@kevdizmunitionsandarms8480]

Great video! Thanks for the demonstration!

[@GunSam]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@dbx1233]

When I get in gun fights, I fight dirty. In the middle of my gun fights I holler "Time Out." When the perp. stops for the time out, I shoot him. All's fair in love and war. lol

[@robertsr.249]

My carry weapon is a 1960,s produced model 49 Smith and it is a laser beam out to about 10 yards- no +p’s , I reload 148 grain wadcutters for this purpose , Desantis IWB . Very good video Thank you

[@GunSam]

Thanks!

[@cameronizatt7480]

Great Video. Very realistic as to what a self defense scenario, will actually be like and the type of gun that will be employed in a lot of instances. Snub nose .38 revolvers are very potent, in the right circumstances and are quite common in usage. Pocket carry is very comfortable and concealable.

[@mikunan]

Nice job man. You are the Snubby crusader king. I have a 438 shrouded hammer and sometimes shoot some re-loads my late cousin made up in the 1990s. His notes say 148 gr speer hbwc 3.2 gr. bullseye cci500 primers . I was wondering how typical that is . I do seem to get lead build up quickly . Sometimes also from lead round nose too. I extracted a wad cutter out of one of those and was amazed how little powder that is. I have been saving brass an will eventually get into reloading . They make a perfect hole in paper don't they.

[@GunSam]

Thank you very much. Typically that kind of wadcutter load uses about 2.8 grains give or take depending on the powder. 3.2 grains sounds within the ballpark of normal, but maybe just a tad warmer than most wadcutter loads. Most jacket bullets are .357" and most lead bullets are .358", but wadcutters are designed for maximum bore seal and are sometimes as big as .360" in .38 special. The oversized bullet combined with a little more powder than typical is probably the cause of the leading issue. If you get into hand loading and want to load up some cleaner wadcutters, I know that Xtreme bullets make plated and hard cast wadcutters that will shoot with no leading, slight decrease in accuracy but totally clean.

[@mikunan]

That's good to know. I forgot to mention that I only have the notes left in the boxes of loads He had muzzle velocity listed as 1375 fps. Others have said that that is impossible; but he did have a Thompson contender and a longer barrel .357, I don't know what model. I have noticed better groups with them old loads than factory ammo. It is interesting to figure out the reasoning on the recipes loaders use. I am going to talk myself into getting reloading equipment . Any suggestions? My local range store sells Dillon.

[@GunSam]

Out of a handgun those loads should have been 700 fps or less. I don't know many things about reloading equipment, but I do mine on a Lee single stage kit.

[@jefferyashmore6477]

That is a common load and choice, very accurate. Reloading is easy.

[@AllenBePro]

Man.. you have been turning out great content at a crazy rate the past few days.

[@GunSam]

Thank you very much. I never know what is good or bad content, so I just do the things that I think about personally. I really want to do a 9mm vs. 40 vs. 45, but I might hurt too many feelings lol. Mainly because i'm of the mindset that 9mm and .45 are pretty good, and .40 is...eh

[@AllenBePro]

I know your stuff. You do the research and have proved it quite a number of times. The caliber debates will never end. With the way to present things like this it will give people food for thought.

[@GunSam]

My simplified thought is that 9mm is good, and a .40 is nothing more than a scaled up 9mm. The .45 is a totally different animal. I like the big bullet of a .45, but if I went down, i'd skip right to the 9mm because it has so many more pros than the .40.

[@AllenBePro]

I ran with 40 for years. These days it's 9. Been thinking 10mm but have yet to fire one. As i get closer to being 45 years old i was thinking of picking up a 45 but really want to check out the 10mm first. 45 is easier to get in my area though.

[@GunSam]

Would be a cool thing to get a .45 for your birthday. My next birthday coming up i'll be 38......yeah, you already know what that means lol

[@ratagris21]

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast....Shooter. your target is "as dead as Julius Ceasar"....Sean Connery - The Untouchables.

[@slaughterhound8793]

Good shootin' with that snub. Yeah, I'd like to think that flesh wound would have made most bad guys run off but you can't be sure. Last time I was at the range with my 9mm Beretta, I (unintentionally) scored a hit on the silhouette's left earlobe. I would hope that would make most sane men think twice, but of course if it didn't I also put rounds where the silhouette's left eye would be as well as through the nose area and about where the mustache would be if it had one.

[@jayoutdoors07m96]

Cool video! If I could make a recommendation, look at the firehouse flex work pants from duluth trading company. The pockets are cavernous and will allow you to get a full firing grip on the gun while it’s still in your pocket. I carry my 4inch Chiappa Rhino in a pocket holster with two speed loaders of 357mag all in the same front pocket! They also come with a lifetime guarantee, if they ever rip they will replace or refund your money. Expensive, but so worth it.

[@denisdegamon8224]

It probably isn't a good idea to keep the extra ammo in the same pocket as the revolver. If your right handed, put those speed strips on a belt rig or right back pocket.

[@warren8601]

The 38 snub nose is an effective hand gun especially at close range. My M60 is a little heavier than you 342PD which helps with the recoil and allows you to get it back on target a little quicker but all in all they are good, reliable self defense weapons. Enjoy your videos.

[@GunSam]

I agree they are good weapons. Thanks for watching an enjoying my content.

[@spiritone57]

Thank you, I carry a Taurus 85 snub nose in a leather pocket holster. I have the shield 9 and 45 for IWB. LCP II also for pocket carry. I still prefer to carry the snub nose 38 in my pocket. I too love revolvers.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching! Do you have a lot of rounds through that 85 and how does it shoot?

[@spiritone57]

Gun Sam _Revolver Aficionado_ Put over 300 rds through her. 10 to 30 feet pretty accurate double handed. Further out tends to drop some until I adjust. 9 ft or less point and shoot single strong hand hitting were I need to. I shoot my reloads, factory ammo and plus p. This is the only snubby I have. Have a Ruger gp100 357 and Rossi 38 spl. Guess I like 38 specials.

[@GunSam]

spiritone57 Well the .38 special really is the best revolver cartridge in my opinion, not too hot and not too weak. I may get a Taurus at some point. I had some rimfire Taurus revolvers that failed me in the past by having snapped transfer bars, but most people know that rimfire revolvers hit with more hammer force than centerfire, so an 85 might be a little better, plus this was 2009 models. Current production Taurus might be improved.

[@cameronnorton5898]

I find it really important to practice up close.

[@pethello3845]

No doubt about it, .38 and .38 Special snub nose are effective weapon,...but not when you need to reload 3:27. In real life, revolvers are effective only as one full load. After you shot all your ammo, it's time to run far away, take cover, then reload.

[@terrywaters6186]

When's the last time, if ever, that a civilian got in an extended gunfight where they had to reload and continue?

[@pethello3845]

@@terrywaters6186 Extended gun fight of civillians that they reloaded and continued... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnrRkKGai7ipiJI

[@pethello3845]

@@terrywaters6186 Another civilian situation that needed a reload... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6PRmJKwg9FgrLM

[@pethello3845]

@@terrywaters6186 Here's the one with no news interruption kzbin.info/www/bejne/amK8cnqmoNuLrK8

[@pethello3845]

@@terrywaters6186 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZqZiICpgq6mrpI

[@invictawarrior]

I found that even with a bobbed hammer revolver inside the pocket presents one with too much bind and friction. So I went to appendix carry in a Remora holster. Nothing faster for me. And yes "cheating the draw", takes a critical half to three quarters second off your time.

[@kylewood8327]

Nice realistic practice in defensive shooting! Me, I can’t stand pocket carry! Way to much hassle trying to keep gun out and from snagging on clothing. I much prefer appendix, lot less clothing obstacles to fuck with.

[@carolkmc2855]

Very good! Hey, I have boxes of .38/.357 hulls that I pick up from my range. I reloaded for years but I don't anymore so rather than waste these brass hulls I am asking if you would like me to send them to you? There are a lot of 9mm in the collection also. Let me know. Sam you do good work and I agree with you about the value of the .38 Spl.

[@jimamber1934]

In using the Desantis nemesis , try pulling n tilting the gun slightly backwards so the holster nudges backwards n Eliminate it traveling up with the revolver.

[@ZyKLonBē]

Seems like the pocket would be a difficult place to draw from. Maybe a sling holster you’d be able to draw faster?

[@u71p07]

One advantage of the pocket holster is that if things start to look a little sketchy in your surrounds you can have your hand on the gun in your pocket already should you need to draw it.

[@ZyKLonBē]

Yea I didn’t really think about that. Less noticeable drawing from the pocket.

[@accord50]

Bear in mind your suspect is probably going to be moving and you as well. Factor in that to use deadly force you are probably going to be fighting for your life, this in turn is going to cause tunnel vision accelerated and rapid rise in heart rate. So, with those things in mind things are going to be happening real fast ! So as long as you get hits on your adversary you will be fine.

[@LionquestFitness]

Hi Sam - I watched this one again. Good video. Most folks need to train like that and do self reflection. You made a comment about shooting while moving and it not working for you. In watching many surveillance videos of ordinary citizens defending their lives, time and time again I see them plant a firm stance and rack rounds on target. Meanwhile you see people, often professionals, trying to bob and weave, and they die for it. It makes you think.

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching. Yeah it makes me think about whoever that gunman was back in the 19th century, I think it was Hickock but I might be wrong, where so many times he just stood still and was often missed and he landed his shots with devastating results.

[@davemojarra4734]

Damned good video!

[@joebirdwell5071]

What 3-4 ammo types do you carry?

[@GunSam]

Depends on the caliber. Generally in larger handguns with longer barrels I don't focus too much on ammo, but if we for example look at .38 Special in a snubby, it does matter. Through testing the bonded bullets do very well, particularly Gold Dot 125 and 135 gr and Winchester Ranger/PDX1 130 gr. Also, I have had good results in my testing with the old school Federal Hydrashok 129 gr+P, the jacket will separate but it's consistent ammo. Also, pretty much anything Buffalo Bore loads in .38 Special is great, either their TacXP or bonded +P loads.

[@cameronizatt7480]

I really enjoy your videos. The common sense and practicality are refreshing. Please keep up the good work. Thanks!

[@GunSam]

Thanks a lot!

[@kravenofspider]

I'm definitely going to practice these drills once I get back out to the country.

[@dannysmith6035]

+p or standerd loads? Revolvors r awesome love mine.

[@GunSam]

It's been awhile but probably +P as I always loaded +P back then.

[@northernninety7]

This is where its good to practice side stepping while your ads shooting.

[@surgeonwithagun6793]

If you want accuracy, load that thing with HBWC. My snubbie 357 is very accurate with those. :)

[@GunSam]

That's hollow base isn't it?

[@surgeonwithagun6793]

Yes. I tried loading them upside down but with "hollow base down" the accuracy is just so much better. I had seen the hollow base up used as an SD load, but the gun is no where near as accurate when they are loaded like that. :)

[@surgeonwithagun6793]

Changing my mind...my reloading reveals my targeting with SWCHP soft lead seems to be the best. :)

[@johnochicago8457]

it is an effective weapon. I carry one. With speed loaders and strips

[@petesachs1276]

Center mass first unless he has a knife, then hip target and run your ass off

[@FireTrailPCT]

Where'd you get that target? I like it.

[@GunSam]

I made it, I actually have a video about it lol: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWavmoOCeKiambs

[@GunSam]

The paper target was from a local store. Found it on amazon though: www.amazon.com/dp/B008F9KH10/ref=sspa_dk_detail_9?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B008F9KH10

[@FireTrailPCT]

@@GunSam Awesome! Thank you. I was just shooting yesterday with my S&W .38 SPL model 36 and the targets at the range are the same you find in any range, boring. I like the vitals on this one. I appreciate the link on Amazon. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@robertsutphen2333]

No substitution for a good practice but the next best thing is your demonstrations! Thanks !

[@GunSam]

Thanks for watching

[@richardsuggs8108]

At last someone who is as poor of a shot as me.

[@owenbarnhart5771]

Good job, I agree with your thinking..

[@zakk4321able]

I run a s&w 340 pd with 357 mags it hurts but I know I can handle myself with it. But 38+p Isent much weaker in a snubby. But it doesn't take much to pull shots eps for a new shooter

[@GunSam]

A lot of it is in the support hand, if someone gets that down well to grip the gun in place, the guns are pretty accurate and controllable.

[@63DW89A]

Very good anatomical target that helps you visualize effective hit areas. Center mass, with a "centerline" hit firing a good deep penetrating load (38 SPL 158 gr LSWC-HP) would take out the spinal column and cause an instant drop. I think the standard pressure Buffalo Bore 150 gr full wadcutter(860+ fps from a 2" revolver) would also "deep penetrate" well enough to also take out the spinal column on a "centerline" hit. Upper chest center hit straight thru the sternum may be the most effective hit probable of a "one-shot-drop" other than a brain cavity hit.

[@GunSam]

I like to think of the hip shot as a good shot. Might not be good for a gun wielder, but knife or bat, a hip shot might bring them down, get out of danger and call the cops.

[@63DW89A]

@@GunSam The hip shot would definitely be effective, as breaking the hip joint/pelvis would drop the assailant to the ground instantly. I really like your target in this video. Gotta get me some of those! Greatly appreciate all your videos on the 38 Special revolver. A lot of folks carry these fine handguns, and your videos are greatly informative as to techniques, ammo, holsters, etc. Even old dogs like me can pick up some good pointers! Thanks for all your efforts.

[@GunSam]

@@63DW89A I believe this is what I used and I believe it was the 25" x 38" version www.amazon.com/B27-IMZ-Human-Silhouette-Shooting-Targets/dp/B06ZYTPPSY/ref=sr_1_5?s=hunting-fishing&ie=UTF8&qid=1546924080&sr=1-5&keywords=anatomy%2Btarget&th=1&psc=1

[@ernestwwal7111]

Depending on shot placement and ammo and if heavy winter clothing

[@GunSam]

winter clothing?

[@bandogbone3265]

See if you can get a steel cylinder for practice, or maybe a second J frame revolver in all steel. The titanium cylinder is subject to erosion and galling, especially with lighter bullets. Your draw seemed slow at times, with two motions instead of one. If your pocket is too tight, you'll feel a need to draw part-way with just the tips of your thumb and index finger, in a first motion, then grab the grip with your whole hand in a second motion. Maybe try finding looser pockets or larger pants, or get a seamstress to fix the ones you have. 5-round .38 spl snubby is an excellent choice, but it requires more skill over other choices -- every shot must count, while not putting yourself at risk by taking extra time to aim.

[@bigolbeardog3777]

Pocketing your handgun sucks. Get a better deployment set up. The handle of that .38 should not be obstructed. Except for concealment. Other than that not bad.

[@davidhoneycutt6614]

Dinkheller managed to get a hit on his attacker. It pissed off the attacker

[@havindy]

The problem with a J frame is that you can’t find ammo anymore.

[@Colt-ii4qn]

This is ok if you never plan getting in to it with someone that might have glock in a Walmart parking lot, I love the snub noses to show friends but carry the glock 😊

[@Skinnymoose]

Colt1968 95 I'm not sure what having a Glock has to do with anything. Two hits center mass will kill a guy with a Glock just as dead as any other guy.

[@Colt-ii4qn]

There’s a lot of missed shots in a high stress situation unless you have nerves of steel which most do not have. It’s your life if 5 or 6 are ok with you than good luck 🍀

[@Skinnymoose]

Colt1968 95 I carry several different guns. I carry the biggest caliber with the most capacity I can under the circumstances. The reality is a lot of the time i carry a snubbie because carrying say an XD 45 is impractical. A snub nose 38 on me is way better than a Glock in my truck. If shit goes down am I gonna wish I had more than a snub nose? Yeah probably, but I will be glad I have something. There are pro's and cons to every CC choice.

[@brianbuchert6382]

Colt1968 95 trust me that .38 special will kill you just as fast as a glock you know I hate to tell guys that say it’s glock or nothing if you don’t train with you edc then you’re screwed no matter what the bad guy has! The superiority complex some glock guys have is rediculous.

[@Colt-ii4qn]

brian buchert No trust me, more rounds means more chances. Go ahead and carry your 5 or 6 shot 😏

[@nazdagg2027]

how does that old blues song go? "wid dis gun stuck in yo mouth, do ya think I gonna miss?" 1- lose the jeans or get a tailor to make the pockets bigger and the right depth. I get pants and have my wife work them over. no sense doing a trigger job if you can't get at it. 2- you yank the gun out(all decisions are made, gun comes out, gun goes bang) pull it up toward level, point and shoot 2 into the pelvic girdle (nut shot), threat stops forward movement and probably bends forward, if still holding a weapon, 2 more in the head. 3- call 911 for an ambulance, your feeling faint and nauseous, possible heart or stroke. call the lawyer. call 911 about being attacked. hopefully the ambulance gets there before the cops and your being treated. cops show up your hands are empty (reholstered) and your stressed but nice. upon further questioning, hand the cops your lawyers card and tell them he's on his way. 4- while the tactical guys are doing a reload, I'm back in action with snubby #2 (NewYork reload). at 14oz. how many snubbies can you carry? 2, maybe 3? there's a video on youtube where they discuss the speed difference between 10 and 15 round magazines (who cares?). near the end of the video, some old guy wanders up to the firing line and pulls a snubby out of his book bag and cranks 5 into the target, throws that one on the ground and pulls another one, on and on, 6 snubbies in a book bag, 30 shots in the target, less than 30 seconds. moral of the story-- get a book bag and start collecting j-frames. 5- practice and have fun.

[@GunSam]

I never heard that blues song, but the statement reminds me of the part of the movie Fire Down Below where Steven Seagal's character stuck the pistol in the deputy or officer's mouth and says "how do you want it, how do you want it?! The jeans in this video, well they were what they were and people have commented on them before, but essentially they were junk pants for going in the woods and not typical of what I normally wear, but like some of my videos this one was never really planned rather it was just spur of the moment while I was out there. I sort of go by the rule that for regular people, 3 shots is the average fired in self defense so a revolver does fine. I know that whoever calls the cops first is usually looked at as the victim and paints you more favorably. Also terms like "only shot to stop him" and "I thought I was going to die" are better than telling the cops "he got what he had coming" or something like that lol. Personally I feel like carrying a 5 shot revolver gives the overall impression that your weapon is for defense and only for defense. Imagine going to court and you were justified and unharmed, but if you had a modified gun that says "kill em all" on it and you had two 30 round backup mags. I would not want to be in that position, but rather a properly carried revolver in good working condition with one speed loader seems more legit to me, for a normal person. Just my thoughts.

[@60viking]

I don't get it, my new Airweight seems to shoot better then my 4" bbl 357 med. Frame. Good video and i agree get a shot on target. Remember the famous Miami FBI shoot out. They seemed to only shoot body shots and that was vary protected. Feet, knees and hands call be hurt though kevlar/protective coverings. I never saw a offical record of hits on those guys but i think a forensic readout would be interesting.

[@GunSam]

Thanks. I have had this happen before, a shorter barrel revolver shooting better than a longer barrel. Might just be the smaller frame fits your hand better. Frame size alters where your trigger finger lines up on the trigger, so no matter the hand size, the frame size to trigger position might fit your style of trigger pull better. I know for me I have average to large hands so the J-frame automatically has the trigger near the second joint, which works for me. K and L change that up and N frame and up are too much of a stretch.

[@Quentin217]

I am a strong believer in the four-inch barrel on a .38. It has a huge velocity advantage over a snub nose. Six inches is even better, but the difference in velocity from four to six is not half what it is from four to two.

[@GunSam]

Similar thing with 357 mag barrel length.

[@zdub8438]

Mine shoots one hole groups at ten yards. If they were all like mine I'd say they were perfect but most don't shoot near as tight groups. minute of man at 7 yards is no where near good enough to carry for me at least.

[@GunSam]

What do you use for one hole groups? I have a 4" 686 that will shoot one hole groups in double action at 5 yards, but haven't really measured groups at longer range as 7, 10 and 50 yards as this is more of a thing where i'm shooting fast as I can at 7 and 10 yards, if I can cover the group with my hand i'm satisfied. 50 yards is plinking.

[@zdub8438]

@@GunSam 158gr lead roundnose out of a 2 inch steel taurus 856. The round and flat jacketed will get me 4 inch groups but the lead tightens it right up to one hole.

[@jamiemartin1793]

Love my Taurus 856 UL.

[@kyles280]

Jamie Martin I bought an 856 also but not an UL. How do you like it?

[@jamiemartin1793]

@@kyles280 I love it. It's in my pocket every day

[@kyles280]

Jamie Martin I usually have it with me also

[@kyles280]

Do you have an IWB holster for it too? If so, what kind? What about appendix carrying it?

[@jamiemartin1793]

Mostly pocket carry

[@truepatriot2404]

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Practicing slow perfect shots will lead to getting faster. Trying to practice fast will lead to sloppy mechanics, and bad habits. As far as .38 being effective, in most cases shot placement is far more important than caliber. The goal is stopping the threat, psychologically or physically. Depending on the situation, your low shots may have been psychologically incapacitating, but not physically. Thanks for taking the time to post the vid, for the most part it is well done.

[@terrywaters6186]

Actually a pelvic shot in all likelihood will drop a bad guy right there.

[@truepatriot2404]

True, a pelvic shot is usually incapacitating. However I can't recommend practicing for, or relying on this type of placement. While extremely painful and potentially devastating to movement, it does not necessarily take an aggressor out of the fight.

[@bowman321123]

Now that I have my .38LCR I'm rediscovering your videos. Still as good as they were the first time! The groupings on your target seem like they would do the job.

[@GunSam]

Thanks! I did do one video titled "how to shoot j-frame/lcr" or something like that.

[@adamjhuber]

Pocket carry in jeans? “Hold on Mr. Attacker, let me get my gun out of my pocket. Hold on. Almost there. OK now attack me”. IWB or even OWB since you already have your shirt untucked.

[@GunSam]

Obviously you have no experience with it.

[@adamjhuber]

Gun Sam _Revolver Aficionado_ your video itself demonstrates that pocket carrying in jeans results in a slow draw. I pocket carry in dress pants but they are large and I can draw as quickly as IWB. Pocket carry doesn't work with jeans.

[@GunSam]

@@adamjhuber ah, you must be a ninja or internet commando. Like I said, no experience. If you had any, you know pocket carry is popular.

[@acetrainer7667]

Center mass from distance man

[@Fudmottin]

I woke up too early. Watched a video and this came up in the sidebar. So I watched it again. Gave it a thumbs up. Had an idea. A way to take advantage of your revolver is by making some sims so you can practice super close contact shooting without the risks of using real bullets. Remember the wax wadcutters I mentioned in the recent past? Make some of those and practice things like firing the moment you clear your pocket. That is, you practice a scenario where you can't use your arms to get the bad guy off. You use the gun as a literal "get off me" tool. I'm thinking I'll try this with CCI 450 primers as I have plenty of those and don't seem to be reloading small rifle anymore. This is not completely risk free. Primers have more power than people think. They can push a jacketed bullet all the way into the rifling of the barrel. If you do hurt yourself, I don't think you will need to go to the ER. Bactine and bandaid perhaps. I'm going to have to test the terminal ballistics of primer fired wax wadcutters to do this drill myself. I think being able to shoot ASAP without extending an arm is a useful skill to have in the tool chest.

[@GunSam]

I seen the plastic bullets at my local shop, I could use those. Also, there are so many high end steel airsoft guns now days that would also work quite well for this type of thing.

[@Fudmottin]

@@GunSam Make sure the plastic bullets aren't for riot control. I've heard they can cause serious injury. My thinking was to be able to practice more risky stuff without accidentally shooting yourself with a real round. There's a YT video somewhere where a guy shot his leg while drawing a .45 ACP. Not pretty! He was doing close contact practice on a paper target.

[@GunSam]

@@Fudmottin I F*&^% just shot MYSELF

[@Fudmottin]

@@GunSam That's what he said.

[@GunSam]

@@Fudmottin I was looking at them today on their website. Propelled by just a primer, they are considered plastic wadcutters and claim 300-400 fps, with no projectile weight mentioned. They say they are good for 25 ft target practice.

[@sonicice8340]

Where do you get those targets?

[@williambeasley2582]

If you are lucky the noise will make your assailant run away

[@GunSam]

I have no idea what that is supposed to mean.

[@williambeasley2582]

@@GunSam if you cannot hit what you aim at perhaps the noise of your firearm being repeatedly discharged may frighten your target with the possibility of being struck by a bullet

[@VMJM85]

Hey Sam I need help. What speed loader would you recommend for the Ruger LCR .38 special 5 shot SNUBBY. Every were I look the speed leaders just say for 5 shot revolvers. Im just not sure. Thank you

[@GunSam]

I can't be 100% certain, but generally speaking the HKS 36 should fit pretty much any 5 shot .38 Special or .357 Magnum revolver. I have some and they have worked so far with the S&W J-frames, SP101 and Taurus 605. I have no reason to think that they would not work with the LCR.

[@VMJM85]

@@GunSam ok sweet. thank you. I'll order those.

[@GunSam]

@@VMJM85 After the fact of your message, I did look it up and there's mixed reviews with the LCR and the HKS 36. Ruger does officially sell the HKS 36 for the LCR on their own site, but reviewers did have mixed reviews. Some say it worked great, some say that the rubber grips got in the way a bit.

[@VMJM85]

@@GunSam that sucks you see it seems like they don't make anything specifically for the LCR but I wonder if the HKS 36 is on Ruger site is different than the regular ones you can buy anywhere else?

[@VMJM85]

@@GunSam Hey Sam I just wanted to let you know that I went to Cabela's and got the HKS 36 speed leader for the Ruger LCR .38 and it does work.

[@stephen8433]

I feel that .38 Special +p is an effective caliber. "Only hits count" if not taking psychological stops into consideration. I suppose that the average shooter with a five shot snub would be lucky to get two hits out of five shots fired from the snub nose revolver. Everyone wants to think they will get a hit with every round fired. That would be good if it happens.

[@GunSam]

They are definitely not easy to shoot, but overall the snub nose revolvers I have owned make me a better shot with my larger handguns.

[@stephen8433]

You are right on both counts. I have a Ruger .38 Special +P LCR and I shoot it better than I shoot my daughter's S&W model 637.

[@GunSam]

I have never fired an LCR but almost bought one once. I had a choice between the used 342PD in mint condition at the time, and a brand new LCR for the same price. I ended up going with the gun i'm shooting in this video because it was a no-lock Smith that goes for about $750 the places I seen them for sale online( I paid about $450 ) It's been a good gun, not great but it's pretty good. Feels like a toy though, too light.

[@stephen8433]

The LCR has a different feel and look in relation to the 342PD, however, with Pachmayr grips it points and shoots as well as the j-frame. I like the construction and the trigger action of the LCR better than the S&W. My daughter has a S&W model 637. I have owned j-frame revolvers since 1969. I just have moved on to the LCR out of personal preference. You probably could get a good price for your 342PD if you decided to sell it.

[@Ok-551]

Nice video. What pocket holster are you using?

[@GunSam]

Thanks. A DeSantis nemesis. I been using it for a year and it's still great, actually even better because it's now molded to the gun.

[@andyostertag]

I have the identical. Formed well to slide the firearm into place

[@dangerman007]

Ask Lee Harvey Oswald.

[@GunSam]

I sent him a message but he's not responding.

[@dangerman007]

@@GunSam Hmm...guess that says it all...

[@garyshawver653]

jA! jA!

[@Krunchyjclown]

Good stuff man, My snub 357/38 is my favorite.